It’s that time of year again – the Blackpool Illuminations will be officially switched-on in spectacular style later tonight.
The long-standing annual tradition, which has been lovingly running since 1879, will see the popular light display up and running for a whopping 122 days. Starting today (Friday, September 4), they will be operating nightly until Sunday, January 3.
Stretching across the usual six-mile route of Blackpool from Starr Gate to Red Bank Road, the displays will honour both the seaside town’s heritage as well as its present with a host of fan-favourites and new additions, including neon sandcastles, a LED Sky Forest, a ‘flower shower’ of umbrellas and even a special Wishing Star creation from musician Toyah Wilcox.
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Each year, the esteemed task of switching on the illuminations has been given to a host of big names, including the likes of Peter Kay, Tim Burton, Spice Girls’ icon Melanie B, and Olly Murs, who was given the honour last year. This time round, the lights will be switched on by Bolton’s own TV presenter and personality Paddy McGuinness.
Previously speaking about his love for Blackpool, especially visiting as a child, the star will be switching on the lights as part of a festival which will be headined by Five and will also include performances from singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan and indie band The Feeling. Live performances will start from just after 4pm today, with the switch-on taking place later in the evening.
The festival will be attended by 20,000 people, with tickets handed out free as part of a special ballot system. There are sadly no longer any tickets remaining for the event. However, we’ll be sharing all the updates in live blog as the party takes place and as the lights go on for the first time this season.
Follow all the latest updates below.
